In this episode of The Rural Impact, host Michelle Rathman sits down with Leslie Dach, Founder and Chair of Protect Our Care, for a conversation about what these policy changes mean for rural communities and why the impact extends far beyond insurance coverage.

Leslie explains why rural Americans are particularly vulnerable to changes in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. With rural hospitals already operating on extremely tight margins and many communities having lost services such as maternity care, reductions in coverage can have consequences for both patients and the healthcare infrastructure they depend on.

Michelle and Leslie also explore the connection between healthcare access and the broader rural quality-of-life picture. When people cannot afford preventive care, medications, or insurance, or when the nearest hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or provider becomes harder to access—the effects can ripple through families, healthcare organizations, employers, and local economies.

The conversation also examines the role of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. While the program represents a significant federal investment in rural health, Michelle and Leslie discuss whether transformation funding can achieve its intended purpose when healthcare organizations are simultaneously confronting substantial losses elsewhere in the system.

This episode was made possible by our partner, The National Association of Rural Health Clinics.

Join the National Association of Rural Health Clinics in Louisville, Kentucky, September 28 through October 1, for the NARHC Fall Institute, the only national conference designed exclusively for Rural Health Clinics.

Whether you're new to the RHC world or a seasoned leader, you'll gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and discover practical strategies to help your clinic thrive.

Register today at NARHC.org.

In this episode of The Rural Impact, host Michelle Rathman is joined by Heather O’Loughlin, Executive Director of the Montana Budget and Policy Center, to explore the policies and economic decisions affecting healthcare access and rural quality of life across Montana.

Their conversation examines Montana’s implementation of Medicaid community engagement and work reporting requirements, including concerns that additional administrative requirements could contribute to coverage losses. Michelle and Heather also discuss how state budget decisions can impact rural providers, workforce retention and access to essential services.

The conversation underscores just how interconnected the policies shaping rural communities truly are. From Medicaid coverage and workforce shortages to sustainable funding, maternal healthcare and essential public services, decisions in one area can create ripple effects across an entire community. As Montana moves forward with new rural health investments, the discussion highlights the importance of considering the broader policy environment necessary to create meaningful, sustainable improvements in rural health and quality of life.

This episode was made possible by our partner, The National Association of Rural Health Clinics.

Join the National Association of Rural Health Clinics in Louisville, Kentucky, September 28 through October 1, for the NARHC Fall Institute, the only national conference designed exclusively for Rural Health Clinics.

Whether you're new to the RHC world or a seasoned leader, you'll gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and discover practical strategies to help your clinic thrive.

Register today at NARHC.org.

One year after the passage of H.R.1 and the creation of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), The Rural Impact revisits one of the most significant policy shifts affecting rural healthcare. Host Michelle Rathman is joined by three nationally recognized rural health leaders to discuss what's changed, what challenges remain, and where opportunities for innovation are emerging.

In Part One, Michelle speaks with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), who evaluates the first year of H.R.1. Alan explains why he would currently give the program an "Incomplete," noting that while funding has reached states, many are only beginning implementation. The conversation also explores Medicaid payment reforms, work requirements, and ongoing concerns about rural hospital sustainability.

In Part Two, Jed Hansen, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, shares a frontline perspective on rural health transformation. He discusses Nebraska's priorities, including workforce development, technology, behavioral health, and food security, while addressing the challenges of Medicaid work requirements and sustaining essential healthcare services, as well as Veterans’ access to healthcare.

Finally, in the debut of Voices of Impact, Michelle welcomes Kait Guild, Assistant Director of Mobile Health MAP and The Family Van at Harvard Medical School. Kait explains why mobile healthcare should be treated as essential healthcare infrastructure and highlights the need for long-term sustainability as states expand mobile health services through Rural Health Transformation funding.

This episode was made possible by our partner, The National Association of Rural Health Clinics.

Join the National Association of Rural Health Clinics in Louisville, Kentucky, September 28 through October 1, for the NARHC Fall Institute, the only national conference designed exclusively for Rural Health Clinics.

Whether you're new to the RHC world or a seasoned leader, you'll gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and discover practical strategies to help your clinic thrive.

Register today at NARHC.org.